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Buying Textbooks

FAQ: Academic Course Materials @ Colby

Q: How will I know what books I need for my classes?

A: The Bookstore works closely with faculty to ensure that we have all the right books and editions for your class. Either stop by the Bookstore when you get to campus at
the beginning of the semester, or use our academic materials reservation service to have all your right books picked out and ready for you.
We stand behind our book editions and information, and make sure you've got all the right books you need.

Q: I don't want to wait to get my books, can I get my books taken care of in advance?

A: Reserve them in advance, and get one more thing off your back-to-school to-do list with our
Textbook Reservation Service!
All the right books for your classes, pulled, paid, boxed, and ready
for you to pick up. Classes might change? Choose books for just the classes you want. Unexpectedly changing classes?
Not a problem. Return them with your receipt during the returns period, and get the ones you need right away.

Q: What if I change a class after I've rented or bought the books at The Colby Bookstore?

A: No problem. Quick and easy returns and exchanges during the returns period get you ready for your new class. The right books, right away.

Q: What is the difference between required and optional books?

A: It is at the discretion of each faculty member, but generally required books are the central books for a course.
Optional books are usually ancillary materials like study and solution manuals.

Q: Do you carry used books?

A: Used books are the most popular with our students, and we are extremely aggressive about getting as many used copies as possible.
Typically we have about 60% used books, and 40% new books and coursepacks each semester. There are
some books we've found it makes sense to sell only new, e.g. consumable books like workbooks where students at many campuses are
required to fill out, tear out, and turn in pages.

Q: What about the quality of your used books?

A: Unlike some used book sellers, we won't sell you a book that is missing pages, is the wrong edition, or has been damaged by liquids.
When the professor asks you to turn to page 27 to read an article, you'll be reading the right one.

Q: Do you offer textbook rentals?

A: Yes. We have a selection of titles that are available as rentals. Rental books appear in our text listings as an optional book. Add them to your cart as you would any other book.
Rentals are also available in the store. Rent and return your rental right at the Bookstore.

Q: What if I rent my textbook through the Bookstore, but then decide I want to keep it?

A: No problem. Come in on or before the due date and we'll credit your rental fee toward the book purchase.

Q: What about buying used books from other students?

A: Colby's "U-Sell" program allows Colby students to sell their used books to other Colby students through the Bookstore.
U-Sell books go on top of all others in our stacks at the Bookstore. The Colby student sets the price, and when the book sells they get all the money.
Want to try this out yourself? Ask us about the U-Sell program when you come to the May or December buybacks.

Q: What about books I no longer need at the end of the semester? I don't want to keep all my books after the class is over.

A: Students who own books they no longer need may use the Bookstore's textbook recycling buyback program. You get cash for your unneeded books.
Books from Colby's buyback may be re-used at Colby or at other campuses across the country. Take your finals, and when you no longer need your books, bring them to buyback.